Our Project - Finally Complete

Since the day we bought our house, Brian wanted to build a water feature in the front yard. Although it took two years to complete, it looks beautiful. My husband is always so meticulous in his work and it shows!!

Brian and Dexter working on placing the pond liner and rocks. Thank you for your help Dexter.

Almost Complete


The finished product

Our Butterfly Bushes

Family Day at the Guard

This year my family went out to the Guardbase to see what it is Brian does one weekend a month. We were able to see his new office, some airplanes and even a helicopter taking off. It was really hot, but worth it to spend the afternoon with my sweetheart. After a day outside in the extreme heat, we headed to the beach in my parent's community. The water was nice but a little cold due to the wind.

Ready for take-off.

The Hoopes ready to refuel an F-16

Can you find Caden??? I can't, that camo made him hard to find =).

The Herrscher's by the huge airplane.

The whole fam damily enjoying FAMILY day at the Guard base.

Grandpa and Grandma at the beach with the little ones.

Melissa, Brooklyn and Jaeden enjoying the beach.

Brian, Trent and Shari going for a swim.

Cousins at play.

I love to brush my teeth

Caden took the toothbrush right out of my hand and went to town.


July 30th - Caden brushing his teeth in the tub for the first time. No toothpaste this time.

August 14th - Caden's attempt at brushing his teeth (he has eight). This was the first time we used toothpaste.

Happy 1st Birthday Caden

It's hard to believe that a year has already passed us by. We celebrated Caden's first birthday this month. We had a family/friend party which totaled to almost 50 peeps. It was a little overwhelming, but I think it went okay. The kids had a blast playing in the pool and on the water slide.

I have to say having a child definitely changes your life...for the better of course. Our little Caden is such a tender, loving spirit. He is so full of life and has developed quite the personality. I feel so blessed to have him as my son and look forward to many more firsts with him.

Before the opening frenzy began. He loved the boxes and the bows. He only cared for a couple of things inside =).

My boys having a tender moment. Caden loves books.

Mom and Birthday boy before the party.

Is this what I am suppose to do with the gifts?

First birthday cake - My sister and I gave this one our best attempt. I think it turned out pretty cute considering I purchased the wrong kind of frosting.

Oh man, that was a lot of cake. I got numerous calls the next day asking how my night was. It was wonderful...he fell asleep on a walk around 9 pm and did not rise until 8 am. Also, no nasty cake diapers...although I did find chunks in the bath two days later.

White Trash????

White Trash...I don't know, you decide. For the last three years we have attended the Demolition Derby where we live. Although it sounds a little white trash...it is a blast. If you have never gone before, find one and go. You will have so much fun you will want to go next year too.


Caden and Dad at the Derby


Dexter and Brooklyn


Melissa, Sam and Hadley

Our Summer Travels - Trip 2 California

Each year the Herrscher's go to Laguna Beach, CA for a week. It has been a family tradition for 50+ years. A good majority of time is spent on the beach, but this year we decided to spend two of the ten days at Disneyland. I was a little disappointed as I was expecting more excitement from Caden. Please keep in mind he was only 11 months old. The only real reactions we got from him were when we saw Mickey Mouse and on the Buzz Lightyear ride. I think he was totally overstimulated =), but was so good for us. He took naps in the stroller and we were able to visit Disneyland from sun up to sun down. The trip was a blast.


Freedom - we finally arrived in Anaheim, CA. Caden was sooo happy to get out of the car...and see Grandma of course.

Hanging with Dumbo and the Cousins.


On the Merry-go-round

The Herrscher's meet Mickey...what a sight


Caden and me at the beach.

Caden enjoying his swimming pool at the beach. Best advice ever - thanks Angie.

Brian and Caden


Footprints - Brian and Caden


Family Footprints

What a tired boy.

Our Summer Travels - Trip 1 Arizona

We have been traveling the Western US this summer. During the month of July, we were out of town 18 of the 31 days. No complaints here...we had a blast. First we headed down to AZ to visit my Mom and Dad. My Mom turned 50 this year so we thought it would be fun to join her for the celebration. There were ten of us total that made the trip..it was a blast.


Grandma Honey's 50th Birthday. Getting four kids to smile is harder than it looks.

Brian and Caden getting ready to head down the slide at G & G's. It was in the high 90's while we were there so we spent a lot of time in the pool.

Hanging out in the Grotto - how relaxing!

First, Caden floating in the pool....then Caden sleeping in the pool. We wore the poor guy out.

Help, I sat up and now I can't lie down...

Okay..so it has been a while since I have updated the Herrscher blog. What can I say??? Our lives have been SUPER busy this summer. We have worked hard, on the yard of course, but we have also played hard.

These pics are from mid-June but I think they are so cute I had to post them. Poor Caden finally figured out how to sit up in his crib, but once he did he was unable to lie himself down. During nap time one afternoon, this is how I found him.


Don't worry after I took the pictures I laid him down so he could sleep a little more comfortably.